Free-Range Nerd
Self-Produced and Small Label Celtica
by Celtonerd Steve Winick

Well, folks, I'm a free-range nerd. I come and go as I please, flitting here and there, wandering through life's great pastures. And as I go, I keep a lookout for Celtic Music. This time I've brought back some more choice parts to share....

I'll begin with a talented outfit from Scotland called Calasaig, and their album Until Then [Bellcraig BKDCD101]. Although the three members (Keith Easdale, Kirsten Easdale, and Keith Johnston) have only two first names, two surnames, and three initials to share among them, they also play a score of instruments, including guitar, piano, cittern, fiddle, flute, whistle, highland pipes, Scottish smallpipes, uillean pipes, mandolin, mandocello, bodhran, talking drum, accordion, and Hammond organ. As you might expect with this palette, their principal points of reference seem to be the Tannahill Weavers, Jock Tamson's Bairns, Ossian, and other Scottish bands. And, given their youth, they stand such comparisons remarkably well; listen to their version of "I Once Loved a Lass" next to the Tannies', and you'll see what I mean. Or take the opening medley of tunes; it's a robust, hard-edged, and rousing dose of pipe-and-fiddle energy. There are some overwrought touches here, such as the use of heavy synth drones, fake wind noises, and mumbly voices behind "Tha mi sgith." But the band makes up for these with beautiful versions of "Ae Fond Kiss," "Whistle O'er the Lave O't," and many great pipe and fiddle tunes. This is a very good debut from a band that certainly has a great future coming. [Bellcraig Records, Bellcraig Farm/ Carmunnock, Glasgow, G76 9EX, UK]